About the role
* This position requires a deep understanding of product development processes and advanced knowledge of relevant technologies to contribute to project goals and outcomes.
* The Product Development Manager oversees the Customer Product Development & Product Expert function in Australia and New Zealand, acting as the primary point of contact for customers and technical lead for respective projects. The role involves advising customers on product application and suitability, providing technical support, and organizing training courses.
Key responsibilities include:
* Customer Product Development;
o Maintain a comprehensive overview of projects and customer capabilities, product portfolios, future projects, and launches.
o Advise customers on product selection and application, considering installation and environmental factors.
o Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to align product presentations and create new market opportunities.
o Provide technical support to existing and new customers, develop internal and external client relationships, and maintain open communication channels.
o Presentation of findings, such as customer needs and views, to achieve shared objectives.
o Ensure long-term application services are maintained and reviewed with all customers, taking the lead in organizing and running trainings, assigning personnel, and involving other R&D functions when necessary.
* Product Expert related;
o Functional activities include assessing requests from a technical perspective, discussing feasibility with operations, production, QA, or Technical Advisors, and identifying stakeholders.
o Support Process Engineer during industrial trials, perform panel tests, and collaborate with Subcontractors for NPI at their facilities.
o Analyze customer or competitor samples, assess usability of existing raw materials, labels, and packaging, and define primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging requirements.
o Request new packaging information/specs from suppliers and obtain insight into existing production possibilities.
* Travel requirements: frequent travel throughout Australia and to SEA and NZ & Pacific Islands.
About you
* Bachelor/Master degree in Food Science/Food Technology preferred.
* Demonstrated experience in the food industry, with knowledge of the chocolate industry being advantageous.
* Demonstrated capability in project management, outstanding presentation skills, and experience in sales or customer interaction.
* Good knowledge of working tools (MS Office, Google Suite, Salesforce, SAP) and fluent Business English.
* Foundation knowledge and qualification as a professional food scientist/food technologist.
* Demonstrated experience in commercial product development in a multinational FMCG company, preferably in the Australian and/or New Zealand markets or similar highly regulated environments.
* Commercial influencing skills, stakeholder management, and analytical mindset with an eagerness to learn and take ownership.
* Entrepreneurial spirit, passion for delivering quality outcomes, consumer-oriented mentality, and solution-driven attitude.
* Hands-on mentality and determined to always deliver against objectives.
* Adaptable to new sales and marketing approaches, compliant with regulations across multiple jurisdictions and corporate standards.